Packers keeping door open on Lang, Neal; Matthews, Nelson out

Dec. 7, 2012

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The Green Bay Packers won’t be getting outside linebacker Clay Matthews back for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.

Matthews will miss his fourth consecutive game with the hamstring strain he sustained against Arizona before the bye week.

The Packers will also be without wide receiver Jordy Nelson (hamstring) with defensive end Mike Neal being doubtful to play because of a shoulder injury.

Packers guard T.J. Lang practiced in limited fashion Friday and is questionable to play against the Lions. If he can’t go, rookie Don Barclay would start at right tackle.

While it’s unlikely Neal will play, there was some good news on his front as Packers coach Mike McCarthy being prepared for the worst earlier this week.

“The news was good news, based on what you fear,” McCarthy said. “But he’s not doing very well today as far as testing. We’re going to give both T.J. and Mike Neal every chance to play in the game. We’ll probably know more tomorrow, and obviously we’ll have to react to that tomorrow to make the roster move if needed.”

The Packers will be without defensive end C.J. Wilson, which could leave the Packers with as few as four defensive linemen, and defensive back Charles Woodson is also out as he nears a return from his broken collarbone